There’s no need to choose between Germany and Switzerland because, on this two-week trip, you can have it all. Start the adventure in the Bavarian city of Munich before driving to other southern German highlights, including Neuschwanstein Castle and Lake Constance. Then cross the border into Switzerland, where the mountains and lakes will impress you with their scale. Kayak on Lake Brienz, e-bike through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, indulge in cheese in Gruyères, and much more.
- Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Book the Package
- Kick off the trip with a guided beer tour in Bavaria's capital, Munich
- Drive at your own pace along southern Germany's Romantic Road
- Take a six-hour e-bike adventure through the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls"
- Sample local cheese and chocolate before driving to lakeside Montreux
Welcome to Munich, the capital of Germany's state of Bavaria! After arriving at your hotel, take some time to settle and rest before heading out for a fun evening tour on foot, visiting the city's famous beer halls and gardens. Your local expert will lead the way as you stop and taste delicious Bavarian beers and nibbles, like sausages, pretzels, and cheese. He or she will share the stories and legends about the city's beer-making history and traditions. You'll also learn about the importance of Oktoberfest for Munich's residents and the broader Bavarian region.
After a good night's rest and hearty breakfast at your hotel, take a day trip to Chiemsee Lake, southeast of Munich, where you'll explore the enchanting Herrenchiemsee Palace on Herreninsel Island. To get there, enjoy a scenic drive through the Bavarian countryside, then board a boat to Herreninsel and tour the opulent palace. Commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1878, this palace was intended to rival the grandeur of Versailles in France, but its construction was left incomplete following the king's untimely death at the age of 40.You can also opt to continue to Fraueninsel, or "Women's Island," where you can sample local cuisine, browse craft shops, admire the eigth-century Benedictine convent with a striking Gothic bell tower, and take in the charming traditional architecture.
Today you'll pick up your rental car and begin a beautiful drive through beautiful Bavaria. From Munich, make your way to Augsburg, where you'll explore the city's historical sites and landmarks, including the majestic Augsburg Town Hall, the towering Perlachturm, and the unique Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex. Continue to Friedberg, a picturesque town known for its well-preserved medieval city walls. Spend some time wandering through the town center to admire the architecture of the Marienplatz and Friedberg Castle.
Drive onward to Landsberg am Lech, a beautiful town on the banks of the Lech River, where you can walk through the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Then visit Landsberg Castle and take a leisurely walk along the Lech River promenade. Your next stop is the mesmerizing Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bavaria's most beautiful rococo churches. Marvel at the church's ornate interior, adorned with stunning frescoes by renowned Bavarian painter Johann Baptist Zimmermann.
Finally, arrive in the charming Alpine town of Füssen. Explore the medieval streets and colorful facades of the Old Town before visiting the Füssen High Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes. Stroll along the Lech River, relax in a riverside park, and cap off your day with a delightful Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Get active today on a fun bicycle tour through old towns and fairy tale castles. From Füssen, you'll cycle through its quaint streets while your tour guide shares fascinating insights into the town's centuries-old history. Admire the picturesque mountain backdrop as you make your way to your first destination, the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, for a tour.
Marvel at its majestic architecture and learn about the castle's intriguing history and the life of King Ludwig II, who commissioned it. Continue to Hohenschwangau Castle, another impressive symbol of Bavarian history and heritage. Explore its grounds and learn about the various rulers who called this magnificent castle home.
After visiting both castles, continue cycling through the Bavarian landscape to the historic Pilgrimage Church of St. Coloman. Delve into the church's rich history and admire its well-preserved architecture as you imagine the countless pilgrims who came here over the centuries. Finally, cycle back to Füssen, taking in more awe-inspiring views of the Bavarian Alps as you go.
Travel farther west today to Konstanz, a city on the western shore of large Lake Constance, a body of water that sits on the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The lake is the second-largest in Western and Central Europe (after Lake Geneva), and there are many natural and cultural attractions and activities to keep you occupied here.
After you've arrived at your hotel, take some time to explore Konstanz at your own pace. There are opportunities for swimming, boating, and sailing, or you could start by visiting one of the town's spectacular landmarks, like the RheinTorterm, a magnificent tower overlooking the lake. You can also check out the town's ancient center, Niederburg, and the market, Konstanzer Marktstätte, with its metal sculptures of massive horses, women, rabbits, and birds. It's a great place to relax and people-watch.
Get out onto the water today on a two-hour paddleboarding tour of Lake Constance. Admire the views of the snowcapped Alps in one direction and the colorful old architecture of the town, lined up along the lakefront, in the other. Standup paddleboarding is a fun way to admire the views and be immersed in nature while getting some physical exercise. If you want to challenge yourself, standup paddleboarding yoga lessons are also available.
Enjoy another day of outdoor adventures today with a bike trip around the island of Reichenau. Start your tour at the Rhine Bridge in Konstanz, where you'll first pass through the suburbs before reaching the Reichenauer Damm. The Reichenau is the largest island in Lake Constance and is also known as "Vegetable or Fruit Island" because of the variety of farm-fresh produce available here.The historic churches of Reichenau are also famous, and the connection between religion and farming vegetables became clear as early as 840 when Abbot Walahfried Strabo wrote the teaching poem "Hortulus" about horticulture. Stop by the small Catholic Church St. Georgskirche near the entrance to the island. It may look inconspicuous from the outside, but the interior offers some beautiful and important murals, including scenes from the Bible's New Testament depicted in the style of Ottonian book illumination.
Today you'll make the scenic drive to Switzerland's Lucerne, a beautiful town on the western side of Lake Lucerne. A great way to introduce yourself to the town and the lake is a trip up to the summit of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's local mountain. Start with a boat ride to Alpnachstad, then ascend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, enjoying sweeping views and leisure facilities at the summit.
Next, descend the mountain by hopping onto the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg. This thrilling ride offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Once at Fräkmüntegg, you'll switch to a gondola, which will take you to Kriens. From there, complete your circular journey by returning to Lucerne aboard a modern trolley bus. For a kid-friendly activity, make a stop at Fräkmüntegg's rope park, where the whole family can enjoy thrills, speed, and testing their agility at the largest rope park in central Switzerland.
Take a memorable tour of Lake Lucerne today on a one-hour private cruise on a fully renovated 1920s motor yacht. Enjoy views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. The vessel will slow to a leisurely pace to allow you to fully appreciate the calming Alpine breeze and enchanting views from the deck. This is the ultimate way to explore Lucerne and Central Switzerland.After your morning's adventure and an afternoon at your leisure, embark on a mythical evening stroll through Lucerne's Old Town with Ralf, a disguised night watchman, and be captivated by his enthralling stories of medieval life. Follow him through the historic streets, where you'll see multimedia projections on house and church walls, bringing the past to life. Discover the stories behind the gable paintings of the Chapel Bridge and learn about the hardships of life in the Middle Ages.
Today you'll drive to beautiful Interlaken, named for its position between two lakes. While here, you'll join a guided kayaking adventure on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, surrounded by a stunning mountain panorama. There's an option to begin in the morning, early afternoon, or early evening depending on other activities you may want to include while here.Launch your kayaks from Bönigen and paddle along the north shore, discovering magnificent cliffs, hidden beaches, and the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle. Your trip will be captured with a complimentary photo package.
The area around the village of Lauterbrunnen is famous for its many dramatic and enchanting waterfalls. Today, set off on a six-hour e-bike adventure through the forests alongside the Lütschine River and through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, leading to picturesque Lauterbrunnen, home to the Valley of 72 Waterfalls and surrounded by high peaks. Visit the awe-inspiring Trümmelbach Falls, located inside the mountain. Witness the sheer power of nature as thousands of gallons of water thunder through the narrow gorge per second, creating a memorable spectacle.Your guide will provide valuable insights into this natural marvel and offer recommendations for other must-see spots in Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and the entire Jungfrau Region. Halfway through your excursion, you'll enjoy a delightful Swiss picnic featuring regional delicacies, such as sausage and cheese. This will provide a much-needed break and an opportunity to recharge your batteries before continuing your exploration.
Day 12: Food Tour in Gruyères, Drive to Montreux
Foodies and especially cheese lovers, in particular, will enjoy today's tour to a local cheese factory in Gruyères to learn about Switzerland's rich culinary heritage. Your day begins with a scenic drive through the pastoral landscapes of Fribourg Canton, all the way to the picturesque medieval village of Gruyères. Keep an eye out for the iconic black-and-white cows that provide the milk for the world-famous Gruyère cheese.
Upon arrival in Gruyères, your first stop will be a local cheese factory where you'll delve into the history and art of Gruyère cheese-making. Enjoy a guided tour that reveals the secrets of this delicious cheese, followed by a mouthwatering cheese-tasting experience. Next, explore the charming medieval town of Gruyères, complete with a visit to the 13th-century Gruyères Castle, a Swiss heritage site. Take in the breathtaking views of the Sarine Valley and wander through the cobblestoned streets. You'll have some free time to explore the town at your leisure.
Drive to Switzerland's charming capital today, Geneva, where you'll discover its rich history and learn why the city is known as the "diplomatic capital of the world" on a guided tour. Your first stop is the iconic Flower Clock, a symbol of Geneva's commitment to green spaces and environmental conservation. Situated on the lakeshore, this intricate clock features thousands of colorful flowers and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva. Your guide will share stories and insights about the clock's history and significance.
Next, venture into the heart of Geneva's Old Town, visiting picturesque spots such as Place du Bourg-de-Four, St. Peter's Cathedral, Les Armures, Maison Tavel, and the Town Hall. Learn about the city's role in shaping the Protestant Reformation and its current status as a global hub for diplomacy and peace. Continue your journey to the Reformer's Wall, a monument commemorating the influential figures of the Protestant Reformation. Then, make your way to Place-de-Neuve, a bustling square surrounded by cultural institutions such as the Grand Theatre and the colonnaded Rath Museum, which is dedicated to art.
The final leg of your tour takes you to Place des Nations, the epicenter of Geneva's diplomatic community. Marvel at the imposing United Nations building and other important international organizations that call Geneva home. Your guide will delve into the fascinating history of the city's diplomatic ties and its ongoing commitment to promoting peace and cooperation on the global stage.
Your grand tour of Germany and Switzerland comes to an end today! Depending on your departure time, squeeze in one last stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva or some last-minute souvenir shopping. At the appropriate hour, head to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Bon voyage!
